MOF-5 derived magnetic CuFe2O4@SiO2 nanocomposite for highly efficient and sustainable carboxylative cyclization of CO2 to α‑alkylidene cyclic carbonates

Abstract

Carbon dioxide as a C1 building block to synthesize α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates is an environmental and sustainable approach. In this work, we designed and synthesized a multifunctional magnetic MOF nanocatalyst CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂@MOF-5, which could realize the carboxylic cyclization of CO₂ and propargylic alcohols into α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates in high to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. More importantly, the nanocatalyst CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂@MOF-5 exhibited excellent reusability and could be recycled at least six times retaining its excellent catalytic activity as well as chemical stability. These findings may be useful for the rational design of heterogeneous and recyclable routes for the catalytic conversion of CO₂ to valuable chemicals.

Graphical Abstract